January 2, 2010 - KUALA LUMPUR, No-smoking may be made a condition for youth and students to receive aid from the government. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the proposal was raised as many people, including youth and students, could still afford to buy cigarettes despite several price hikes.

"They say they are poor, have nothing. But if they can buy cigarettes, we (may) say you are not qualified to receive any aid," he said at a news conference after chairing a meeting of the National Youth Consultative Council (MPBN) and launching the 'Ekspedisi 1Belia 1Malaysia' organised by his ministry with the cooperation of the Youth and Sports Council.

Ahmad Shabery said this when asked to comment on the announcement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai yesterday that beginning January 1 the minimum price of cigarettes was fixed at RM6.40 (1.87 USD) for a 20-stick pack or 32 sen for a stick.The move was to reduce ability to buy cigarettes, especially among the young and the low-income group, besides curbing cigarette promotion through the giving of discounts.Ahmad Shabery said government aid like for the hardcore-poor housing programme or other aid for those who can afford to pay for cable TV or smoke cigarettes also needed to relooked at. He said although the move was not in any law it should be considered.

On the proposal that tax money on cigarettes be used to promote other sports other than football, Ahmad Shabery said he will forward a proposal to the Finance Ministry.

The expedition involves 70 participants to cross 10 states. It starts today and ends on January 2 in Lenggong, Perak and is intended to provide education and accurate information to youth about the '1Belia 1Malaysia' programme.

On MPBN, Ahmad Shabery said various views had been put forward on the economy, education and programmes that needed to be implemented.

"Besides that, the National Youth Council will forward comprehensive proposals to internationalise the youth movement by having networking with neighbouring countries like Indonesia and others.